Mrs. Meyer’s detergent uses plant-based ingredients and skips harsh chemicals, but is it truly non-toxic? Find out the facts behind the label.
Introduction — What Is Mrs. Meyer’s Laundry Detergent?
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day is a popular household brand known for its garden-inspired scents and eco-conscious branding. Their laundry detergent is marketed as a plant-derived, biodegradable, and cruelty-free product that’s tough on dirt but gentle on the environment. With fragrances like lavender, basil, and honeysuckle, it appeals to consumers looking for a more natural alternative to conventional detergents.
But the big question remains: Is it truly non-toxic? In this article, we’ll break down the ingredients, certifications, and controversies to help you decide if Mrs. Meyer’s laundry detergent lives up to its clean reputation.
Ingredient Breakdown — What’s Inside Mrs. Meyer’s Laundry Detergent?
To determine whether Mrs. Meyer’s laundry detergent is non-toxic, we need to examine its ingredients. Here’s a look at some of the key components commonly found in their formulas:
Plant-Derived Cleaning Agents
- Laureth-7 & Lauryl Glucoside: Mild surfactants derived from coconut or sugar that help lift dirt and grease.
- Coconut Acid: A fatty acid from coconut oil that boosts cleaning power.
Enzymes for Stain Removal
- Amylase, Lipase, Mannanase, and Protease (Subtilisin): Naturally derived enzymes that break down starches, fats, and proteins in stains.
Fragrance & Essential Oils
- Lavender Oil, Orange Peel Oil: Natural essential oils used for scent.
- Fragrance (Proprietary Blend): A mix of natural and synthetic ingredients. Some may contain allergens or irritants.
Stabilizers & Preservatives
- Glycerin: A plant-based humectant that helps maintain moisture balance.
- Methylisothiazolinone & Benzisothiazolinone: Synthetic preservatives used in very small amounts to prevent microbial growth. These are controversial due to potential skin sensitivities.
Other Functional Ingredients
- Sodium Citrate & Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate: Water softeners and chelating agents that improve cleaning efficiency.
- Calcium Chloride & Sodium Sulfate: Help with product consistency and performance.
While many ingredients are plant-based and biodegradable, a few synthetic components—especially preservatives and fragrance blends—may raise concerns for those seeking a completely non-toxic product.
What Does “Non-Toxic” Really Mean?
The term “non-toxic” sounds reassuring—but it’s not as clear-cut as it seems. Here’s what you should know:
Basic Definition
- Non-toxic generally means a substance is not harmful or poisonous to humans or animals when used as intended.
- It implies that the product doesn’t contain ingredients known to cause acute toxicity (like immediate poisoning or severe irritation).
But Here’s the Catch
- There’s no universal legal standard for what qualifies as “non-toxic” in household products.
- In the U.S., regulatory bodies like the EPA and FDA don’t strictly define or enforce the term for cleaning products.
- A product can be labeled “non-toxic” even if it contains small amounts of potentially irritating or controversial chemicals, as long as they’re below certain thresholds.
Acute vs. Chronic Toxicity
- Acute toxicity: Immediate effects like skin burns or respiratory distress.
- Chronic toxicity: Long-term effects like hormone disruption, cancer risk, or reproductive harm—often harder to detect and regulate.
So Where Does Mrs. Meyer’s Stand?
- The brand avoids many harsh chemicals like phosphates, ammonia, and chlorine bleach.
- However, it still uses synthetic preservatives (like methylisothiazolinone) and fragrance blends that may cause sensitivities in some people.
Certifications & Third-Party Verifications — How “Clean” Is Mrs. Meyer’s?
To assess whether Mrs. Meyer’s laundry detergent is truly non-toxic, we need to look at independent certifications and third-party reviews. These help cut through marketing claims and offer a more objective view.
Certifications Mrs. Meyer’s Does Have:
- Leaping Bunny Certified: This means the products are cruelty-free and not tested on animals.
- Made without: The brand clearly states it avoids phosphates, phthalates, chlorine, parabens, and formaldehyde.
- Biodegradable Ingredients: Many of the surfactants and enzymes used are plant-derived and break down in the environment.
Certifications It Does Not Have:
- USDA Organic: Mrs. Meyer’s contains more than 5% synthetic ingredients (like preservatives), so it doesn’t qualify as organic.
- EPA Safer Choice: This label is not currently listed on their laundry detergent, which would indicate a higher level of ingredient safety and environmental responsibility.
- EWG Verified: The Environmental Working Group gives some of their products a C rating, mainly due to the inclusion of fragrance and preservatives like methylisothiazolinone.
What Third-Party Reviews Say:
- Safe Household Cleaning praised the detergent’s cleaning power and transparency but criticized the inclusion of methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone, which are known allergens.
- The Filtery noted that while Mrs. Meyer’s avoids many harsh chemicals, it may still be guilty of greenwashing due to vague claims like “aromatherapeutic” and “garden-inspired” without full ingredient disclosure for fragrances.
Pros & Cons — Is Mrs. Meyer’s Laundry Detergent Worth It?
After digging into the ingredients, certifications, and third-party insights, here’s a balanced look at the advantages and drawbacks of using Mrs. Meyer’s laundry detergent:
Pros
- Plant-Derived Ingredients: Uses biodegradable surfactants and enzymes from coconut, sugar, and corn.
- Cruelty-Free: Leaping Bunny certified—no animal testing.
- Aromatherapeutic Scents: Garden-inspired fragrances like basil, lavender, and honeysuckle make laundry feel luxurious.
- Effective Cleaning: Performs well on everyday dirt and stains; leaves clothes soft and fresh-smelling.
- Eco-Conscious Packaging: Bottles made with recycled plastic and designed for minimal waste.
Cons
- Synthetic Preservatives: Contains methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone—potential allergens for sensitive users.
- Fragrance Transparency: Uses proprietary blends that may include undisclosed synthetic components.
- No “Free & Clear” Option: Not ideal for those who prefer unscented or hypoallergenic formulas.
- Not the Cheapest: Priced higher than many conventional and even some eco-friendly competitors.
- Limited Certifications: Lacks EPA Safer Choice and EWG Verified labels, which would boost its non-toxic credibility.
Final Verdict
Mrs. Meyer’s laundry detergent is a solid middle-ground choice: cleaner than conventional brands, but not the gold standard for non-toxicity. If you’re looking for a detergent that smells amazing, works well, and avoids the worst offenders, it’s a great pick. But if you have sensitive skin, fragrance allergies, or want 100% transparency, you might want to explore stricter alternatives like Seventh Generation or Puracy.
Conclusion — So, Is Mrs. Meyer’s Laundry Detergent Non-Toxic?
The answer is: mostly, but not entirely.
Mrs. Meyer’s laundry detergent is a safer and more eco-conscious alternative to many conventional brands. It avoids major toxins like phosphates, chlorine bleach, and parabens, and it uses plant-derived, biodegradable ingredients that are generally well-tolerated by most households.
However, it’s not without its caveats:
- The use of synthetic preservatives like methylisothiazolinone can be a red flag for those with sensitive skin or chemical sensitivities.
- The fragrance blends, while pleasant, are not fully disclosed and may include allergens or irritants.
- It lacks top-tier certifications like EWG Verified or EPA Safer Choice, which would offer stronger assurance of non-toxicity.
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for a “cleaner” detergent that smells great and performs well, Mrs. Meyer’s is a solid pick. But if you’re aiming for strict non-toxicity, especially for babies, pets, or sensitive skin, you may want to explore brands with full ingredient transparency and third-party certifications.